The 2014 Draft Surprise That Changed the Giants Offense
Heading into the Draft, I Had Other Names in Mind.
With the NFL Draft just around the corner, I couldn’t help but think back to 2014—a bold move that changed the Giants’ offense. It’s Throwback Thursday, and today we’re looking at when the Giants drafted wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. with the 12th overall pick.
Honestly, I was surprised. Odell felt a bit undersized to be a true WR1, and I wasn’t convinced he’d be the right fit for Eli Manning. At the time, I was really hoping the Giants would go after Mike Evans. He had that big frame and seemed like the perfect red zone target. Sammy Watkins didn’t impress me much either, so I was skeptical about taking a wide receiver that early.
The Giants Had Options—and I Thought They’d Go O-Line.
Going into that draft, it seemed like offensive line was a major need. I thought Taylor Lewan or Zack Martin made a lot of sense for where we were. The offensive line had struggled, and protecting Eli had to be a top priority. There were also whispers about tight end Eric Ebron, another big target who might have added a different dimension to the offense.
Some mock drafts even had the Giants taking Aaron Donald. As great as he turned out, I never saw the Giants going that route. Jerry Reese, the GM at the time, always seemed to keep the defensive tackle position stocked. He also had a knack for finding talent at wide receiver, so in hindsight, maybe we should’ve trusted his instincts more.
Odell’s Talent Was Unforgettable—Even If It Was Brief.
Once Odell hit the field, everything changed. Despite the questions about his size, his speed, hands, and route-running were electric. That one-handed catch against Dallas? Instantly iconic. He brought energy and excitement back to the Giants’ offense, even if his time in New York was shorter than we’d hoped.
Looking back, I may not have seen it coming, but Odell Beckham Jr. was a game-changer.
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